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Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart

Source Assessment of Hazard Protection

IMPACT - chipping, grinding, machining, drilling, chiseling, riveting, sanding

Flying fragments, objects, large chips, particles, sand, dirt, etc.

Spectacles with side protection, goggles, face shields…for severe exposure, use face shields over primary eye protection

HEAT - furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding

Hot sparks, splash from molten metals, high temperature exposure

Goggles or safety spectacles with special-purpose lenses and side shields. Many heat hazard exposures require the use of a face shield in addition to safety spectacles or goggles.

CHEMICALS – acid and chemicals handling degreasing, plating, and working with blood.

Splash, irritating mists Goggles - primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against liquid or chemical splash, irritating mists, vapors, and fumes.

Face Shields - secondary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to chemical hazards.

DUST - Woodworking, buffing, and general dusty conditions

Harmful Dust Goggles-primary protectors intended to protect the eyes against a variety of airborne particles and dust

OPTICAL RADIATION - welding, torch-cutting, brazing, soldering, and laser work

Radiant energy, glare, and intense light When selecting filter lenses, begin with a shade too dark to see the welding zone. Then try lighter shades until one allows a sufficient view of the welding zone without going below the minimum protective shade.

BIOLOGIC – splashes with blood or other potentially infectious material

Obtaining human blood samples, performing medical procedures, evaluating medical equipment soiled with human blood, body fluids, or tissue.

Face Shields - primary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to biologic hazards.

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Types of Protective GlovesType Material Protection

Disposable Light-weight plastic Guards against mild irritants.

Fabric and coated fabric

Cotton or fabric blends; coated with plastic for slip-resistance

Can help insulate hands from mild heat or cold.

Fabric: Protects against dirt, slivers, chafing and abrasions; do not provide sufficient protection from sharp or heavy materials.

Coated fabric: Offers slip resistance; used for handling bricks, wire, and chemical laboratory containers; may not protect from chemical exposure—check manufacturer’s label.

Leather Leather Protects against sparks, moderate heat, blows, chips, and rough objects; used in combination with an insulated liner when working with electricity.

Metal Mesh Stainless steel, titanium

Protects against accidental cuts and scratches; used when working with cutting tools or other sharp instruments.

Aluminized Aluminized fabric Provides reflective & insulating protection against heat; used to work with molten materials; requires an insert of synthetic material to protect against heat and cold.

Chemical Resistance

Rubber, neoprene, polyvinyl alcohol or vinyl, latex, etc.

Corrosives, oils, and solvents; consult manufacturer’s label.

Refer to specific chart, Chemical and Liquid-Resistant Gloves

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Chemical andLiquid-Resistant Gloves

Type Material Protection

Butyl Synthetic rubber

Wide variety of chemicals such as peroxide, rocket fuels, highly corrosive acids (nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and red-fuming nitric acid), strong bases, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and nitrocompounds. Resist oxidation, ozone corrosion and abrasion, and remain flexible at low temperatures. Do not perform well with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated solvents

Natural (latex) rubber gloves

Latex

Comfortable; popular general-purpose

Outstanding tensile strength, elasticity and temperature resistance.

Resists abrasions caused by grinding and polishing, protect from most water solutions of acids, alkalis, salts, and ketones.

Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners and powderless gloves are possible alternatives.

Neoprene Synthetic rubber

Offer good pliability, finger dexterity, high density and tear resistance.Protect against hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohols, organic acids and alkalis.

Have chemical and wear resistance properties superior to natural rubber.

Nitrile Copolymer Provide protection from chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. Intended for jobs requiring dexterity and sensitivity. Stand up to heavy use even after prolonged exposure to substances that cause other gloves to deteriorate. Offer protection when working with oils, greases, acids, caustics and alcohols. Not recommended for use with strong oxidizing agents, aromatic solvents, ketones and acetates

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Types of ProtectiveClothing

Type Attributes Protection

Paper-like fabric Used for disposable suits Protects against dust and splashes, (used in medical offices to protect against splashes of blood and other potentially infectious materials)

Treated wool and cotton

Adapts well to changing temperatures; comfortable

Fire-resistant and protects against dust, abrasions and rough and irritating surfaces

Duck Closely woven cotton fabric

Protects against cuts and bruises when handling heavy, sharp, or rough materials

Leather Used to protect against dry heat and flames

Rubber, rubberized fabrics, neoprene and plastics

Protect against certain chemicals and physical hazards. When chemical or physical hazards are present, check with the clothing manufacturer to ensure that the material selected will provide adequate protection against the specific hazard.